childhood

[chahyld-hood]

noun

1. the state or period of being a child.

   Synonyms: girlhood, boyhood, youth

2. the early stage in the existence of something.

   the childhood of the human race.

childhood

/ ˈtʃaɪldhʊd /

noun

1. the condition of being a child; the period of life before puberty

Other Word Forms

• prechildhood noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of childhood¹

before 950; Middle English childhode, Old English cildhād. See child, -hood

Example Sentences

He weaves in Aishe’s childhood memories of her father, with her Uyghur language narration addressed to him, as she asks imploring questions of a man who will never be able to answer.

From Los Angeles Times

When the full-back was asked about childhood rugby heroes this week, she picked a player who retired a year after she was born.

From BBC

With her brothers sent away to boarding school, Katharine's childhood was a lonely one.

From BBC

I am taking you back to your childhood, and there has been a lot said about your full name - Lucia Roberta Tough Bronze.

From BBC

"One half of me was taking the hit and the other half of me was taking notes," she says of her childhood.

From BBC